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If you’re getting together with family or friends for Diwali, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration. Discover the best things to do in London in the lead-up to Diwali and during the five days of festivities, including family-friendly activities, music events, fireworks displays and the best restaurants in the capital for an authentic Diwali feast.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepavali, is a festival of light. It is one of the most important celebrations for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, focusing on the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In the days leading up to Diwali, people decorate their homes or workplaces with oil lamps and colourful artworks known as rangolis. During the festival, people wear their finest clothes, feast with their families, exchange gifts, reflect on their spirituality and light fireworks.
When is Diwali?
The festival usually lasts five days and occurs during the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, which falls around mid-October and mid-November. Diwali Festival takes place on 28 October – 3 November in 2024..
Things to do for Diwali in London
Diverse and cultured, London is one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in England. Looking for some inspiration? These are some of our top picks for the festival happening across the capital.
If you’re searching for free things to do in London this Diwali, then plan a day at Diwali on the Square. It’s one of the largest celebrations of Diwali in the capital, so you won’t want to miss this free, all-day event. Held at Trafalgar Square on 27 October, you can expect music, dance, fireworks, craft workshops, food, yoga and meditation. Visiting with the kids? Families can enjoy lots of fun children's activities throughout the day.
Price range: free
How to get there: Trafalgar Square is an 18-minute walk from London Waterloo. Alternatively, take the tube northbound on the Bakerloo or Northern line to Charing Cross.
During Diwali, visit this stunning Hindu temple in Neasden, one of London’s hidden gems. The impressive architecture and manicured gardens make this a peaceful oasis to reflect and relax, or book one of their two-hour guided tours to get the most from your visit.
Price range: free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the westbound Jubilee line to Neasden, then walk 19 minutes to the temple.
Celebrate Diwali at Wembley Park 2 - 3 November from noon to 7 pm with a range of free, family-friendly events. Enjoy free performances, workshops, food stalls and a special free Kuch Kuch Nights event at BOXPARK Wembley by legendary DJ Ritu. There will also be a beautiful lantern parade to emphasise Diwali’s main message: the triumph of light over darkness. Visitors can also enjoy a range of food and drink options from various vendors around Wembley Park.
Price range: free
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line westbound from London Waterloo to Wembley Park.
Fireworks are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, so you won’t want to miss this spectacular display at Byron Park in Harrow on Saturday 9 November. There will be a 20-minute musical Fireworks display from 7.45 pm. There also kids’ entertainment, dance shows, a food arena and fun fair as well as face painting and Indian henna.
Price range: Entry is free from 12-3pm. Check for pricing at other times
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line northbound to Harrow & Wealdstone. Byron Park is a nine-minute walk away.
Best restaurants for Diwali in London
What better way to celebrate Diwali than with a delicious meal at some of London’s best and most authentic Indian restaurants? Discover our picks across the capital, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Brick Lane has long been known for its many Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, and Bengal Village is one of the best in the area. Serving a vast range of authentic curries, street food favourites, tandoori and biryani dishes, this laid-back restaurant is the perfect place for a Diwali family gathering.
Price range: £
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the westbound Jubilee line to Westminster, then change for the eastbound Circle and District line to Aldgate East. Bengal Village is an eight-minute walk away.
What better pairing than delicious Indian food and a cold, refreshing beer? At Booma, they’ve combined the two so you can enjoy Indian street food dishes, curries and more, alongside an impressive selection of craft beer. But if you’d prefer a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic drink, you’ll find plenty of options available.
Price range: £
How to get there: Take the Victoria line southbound from Vauxhall to Stockwell, then walk 12 minutes to Booma.
Enjoy authentic Indian street food inspired by the Bombay café culture of the early twentieth century at Dishoom Covent Garden. From tikka dishes cooked on the open-air grill to classic curries and delicious sides, the menu caters for all tastes and dietary requirements, including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo or Northern line northbound to Charing Cross. Dishoom Covent Garden is an eight-minute walk away. If you fancy a scenic walk across the river instead, you can get to the restaurant from Waterloo in 24 minutes.
Veeraswamy is London’s oldest Indian restaurant, founded in 1926, making this a special place to celebrate Diwali. Overlooking Regent Street, this is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a meal with family or friends during the festivities. The menu is based on traditional cuisine with a modern twist, including street food favourites like Raj Kachori, tikka dishes, curries and sharing platters.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, then it’s a two-minute stroll to the restaurant.
This Mayfair restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine using British produce and spices from across the Indian subcontinent. They are known for their chaat and grilled dishes, which always incorporate unique, seasonal flavours. The small and cosy atmosphere makes this the ideal place for a family gathering during Diwali.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the eastbound Jubilee line to Bond Street from London Waterloo, then walk eight minutes to the restaurant.
Located in Marylebone village, Trishna is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Indian cuisine with optional wine pairings. From biryanis to curries, tandoori dishes and plenty of vegetarian options, there’s something to suit every taste here. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, visit this restaurant to celebrate Diwali in style.
Price range: £££
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line eastbound to Bond Street, then it’s a nine-minute walk to Trishna.
Book your train tickets with SWR
Whatever your plans this Diwali, travelling by train guarantees a hassle-free experience. We recommend booking in advance to find cheap train tickets. We offer various ticket types, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the best option for your journey. Those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave tickets.
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